Fluid Powered Energy Generator

ABSTRACT

A power plant with one or more fluid operated generator unit(s) is provided to generate electrical energy. Each generator unit includes one or more rotational members responsive to fluid flow and in communication with one or more magnets and electrically conductive material. Similarly, each generator unit is in electrical communication with a battery or a power grid used to store or utilize electrical energy, respectively. A continuous amount of external energy is required to initiate and maintain movement of the power plant. As the rotational element of the generator unit(s) is exposed to fluid flow, fluid flow causes the rotational element(s) to rotate. This rotation causes the magnets to pass by the electrically conductive material and to generate electrical energy. In response to continuous movement, the generator unit(s) generates electrical energy through fluid flow. The generated electrical energy is stored in an electrical storage apparatus or communicated to a power grid.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This is a non-provisional utility patent application claiming benefit ofthe filing date of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/912,231filed Apr. 17, 2007, and titled “Fluid Powered Energy Generator”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generatingelectrical energy from a mechanical source. More specifically, thepresent invention generates electrical energy from a fluid source andharvests the electrical energy as a power source.

BACKGROUND

Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons, primarily in the form of coal, fuel oil,and natural gas. These fuels are formed from the remains of dead plantsand animals over the course of thousands of years. As such, the supplyof fuel derived from a fossil fuel source is finite. The economicprinciple of supply and demand suggests that as hydrocarbon suppliesdiminish, costs for such supply will rise. Accordingly, there is anincentive to seek alternative energy fuel based upon the laws ofeconomics.

It is known in the art that combustion of fossil fuels creates airpollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, and heavy metals.In addition, combustion of fossil fuels is known to produce radioactivematerials in the form of uranium and thorium. Environmental regulationuses a variety of approaches to limit emissions. However, the bestsolution is an alternative energy source that mitigates or eliminatescombustion of fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels in the form of refined gasoline are used to powerconventional land vehicles and power plants. In recent years there hasbeen research and development in creation of power plants to supplyenergy to residential and commercial consumers that do not requirefossil fuels, or at least mitigate the quantity of fossil fuels neededto operate the power plant. For example, on the coastline near Cape Cod,Mass., there is a wind energy farm planned to include a large array ofwindmills to utilize the natural wind currents in the ocean and toconvert the wind currents into electrical energy. It is projected thatcompletion of the wind farm could supply about three quarters of therequired electrical energy to Cape Cod. This geographical region isbeing targeted for installation of the wind farm due to the natural windcurrents present in the region. However, there are opponents to theconstruction of the wind farm in this location as it is adjacent to avacation resort frequented by a predominately wealthy clientele who donot want a view of the wind farm from their residence. Accordingly,there is a need for technology that utilizes fluid flow to produce cleanelectrical energy that can be supplied to residential and commercialconsumers, but is not restricted to a geographical location based uponnatural wind currents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generatingelectrical energy from mechanical energy.

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided with a verticalsupport member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal endis secured to a planar platform. A rotating element is provided with aproximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the rotatingelement attached to the distal end of the vertical support member. Therotating element is adapted to rotate about an axis of the verticalsupport member. A connection element is provided with a distal end and aproximal end. The proximal end is in communication with the rotatingelement, and the distal end is in communication with a generator unit.External energy in communication with a motor is used to initiaterotational movement of the rotating element. Fluid flow is created bythe initial rotational movement, and electrical energy is generated byexposure of the generator unit to the fluid flow.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided with afirst vertical support member having a proximal end and a distal end.The proximal end is secured to a planar platform. The first verticalsupport member remains stationary. A second vertical support member isprovided with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is incommunication with the distal end of the first vertical support member.A rotating element is provided with a proximal end and a distal end. Theproximal end of the rotating element is attached to the second verticalsupport member, and the rotating element is adapted to rotate about anaxis of the second vertical support member. The second vertical supportmember rotates about its vertical axis in conjunction with rotation ofthe rotating element. A first enclosure is provided to house a firstgenerator unit. The enclosure is attached to a distal end of therotating element. External energy in communication with a motor isutilized to provide rotational movement of the rotating element. Fluidflow is created by the initial rotational movement, and electricalenergy is generated by exposure of the first generator unit to the fluidflow.

Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description of the presently preferredembodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a power plant withfluid generators.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of another embodiment of a power plantwith fluid operated generators.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the power plant of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the power plant invertedfrom the structure shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the power plant shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the power plant shown in FIG. 4 with differentsize rotor elements.

FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the power plant withfluid operated generator units.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control system associated with the powerplant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generatingelectricity based upon fluid flow and an energy source. A power plant isprovided that generates electrical energy from a mechanical energy fluidflow. The power plant is configured with a plurality of turbines thatare in communication with a motor and an electrical energy storagedevice and/or a power grid. Movement of the turbines is based uponexternal energy provided to a motor in communication with the powerplant. After the turbines have established movement in a fluidenvironment, the fluid causes rotation of the turbines. Rotationalelements of the turbines generate electrical energy through the presenceand proximity of magnets to electrically conductive material. Theturbines generate electrical energy through movement of the rotationalelements in a fluid flow. The generated electrical energy may be storedin a battery and/or an external electrical energy storage device. In oneembodiment, electrical energy generated by the power plant may becommunicated to an electric power grid. Energy communicated to the powergrid is supplied to the power grid for consuming and is not storedtherein.

Technical Details

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a power plant (100)with one or more generator units. As shown, the power plant (100)includes a central vertical member (102) with a plurality of generatorunits (114), (116), (118), (124), (126), and (128) in communication withthe vertical member (102). More specifically, the vertical member (102)includes a proximal end (104) and a distal end (106). The proximal end(104) of the vertical member (102) is stationary and fixed to a planarplatform (108). The distal end (106) of the vertical member (102) isremote from the proximal end (104) and is in communication with arotating arm (110), hereinafter referred to as a rotor arm. In oneembodiment, the rotating arm may be in the form of a rotating elementthat is either rigid or flexible. Accordingly, the scope of theinvention should not be limited to a rigid rotating arm. The rotor arm(110) is configured to rotate about the axis of the vertical member(102) during operation. One or more connection elements (120) areprovided with the rotor arm (110). Each connection element (120) has aproximal end (122) and a distal end (132). The proximal end (122) of theconnection element (120) is in communication with the rotor arm (110),and the distal end (132) of the connection element (120) is incommunication with one of the generator units (114)-(118) and(124)-(128). In one embodiment, the distal end (132) of the connectionelement (120) may be in communication with an enclosure sized to houseone or more generator units. The generator units (114)-(118) and(124)-(128) are generators that create electrical energy in response tofluid flow. In one embodiment, the generator units (114)-(128) areintegrated units with one or more blades that are in communication withone or more magnets and electrically conductive material. The blade(s)rotate about an axis in response to fluid flow and produce electricalenergy. In one embodiment, an alternative material may be substitutedfor the magnets, wherein the alternative material produces electricalenergy when placed in proximity to electrically conductive material.

As shown in FIG. 1, the generator units (114)-(118) and (124)-(128) ofthe power plant (100) are shown in a raised position (150). In oneembodiment, the generator units of the power plant (100) are incommunication with or adjacent to the planar platform (108) when thepower plant (100) is stationary (not shown), and the generator units areraised from the planar platform (108) during active use of the powerplant (100) as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a power plant (200) similar to thatshown in FIG. 1 but modified with respect to placement of the generatorunit(s). As shown, the power plant (200) includes a central verticalmember (202) with a plurality of groupings of generator units (210) incommunication with the vertical member (202). More specifically, thevertical member (202) includes a proximal end (204) and a distal end(206). The proximal end (204) of the vertical member (202) is stationaryand fixed to a planar platform (208). The distal end of the verticalmember (202) is remote from the proximal end (204) and is incommunication with a rotating arm (210), hereinafter referred to as arotor arm. The rotor arm (210) is configured to rotate about the axis ofthe vertical member (202) during operation. One or more connectionelements (220) are provided with the rotor arm (210). Each connectionelement (220) has a proximal end (222) and a distal end (232). Theproximal end (222) of each connection element is in communication withthe rotor arm (210), and the distal end (232) of each connection element(220) is in communication with one of the primary generator units (214),(216), (218), (224), (226), and (228). Each primary generator unit(214), (216), (218), (224), (226), and (228) is shown to include one ormore secondary units adjacent thereto. More specifically, primarygenerator unit (214) has secondary units (214 b) and (214 c) inmechanical and/or electrical communication with the primary unit (214).Similarly, primary generator unit (216) has secondary units (216 b) and(216 c) in mechanical and/or electrical communication with the primaryunit (216), primary generator unit (218) has secondary units (218 b) and(218 c) in mechanical and/or electrical communication with the primaryunit (218), primary generator unit (224) has secondary units (224 b) and(224 c) in mechanical and/or electrical communication with the primaryunit (224), primary generator unit (226) has secondary units (226 b) and(226 c) in mechanical and/or electrical communication with the primaryunit (226), and primary generator unit (228) has secondary units (228 b)and (228 c) in mechanical and/or electrical communication with theprimary unit (228). In one embodiment, a direct electrical and/ormechanical connection of the generator unit(s) to the rotor arm (110) islimited to the primary unit(s), with the secondary unit(s) having adirect electrical and/or mechanical connection to the primary generatorunit(s). Similarly, in one embodiment, the distal end (232) of theconnection element (220) may be in communication with an enclosure sizedto house one or more generator units. Accordingly, the capacity of thepower plant may be increased by attaching one or more secondarygenerator unit(s) to one or more of the primary generator unit(s).

FIG. 3 is a side view of the power plant unit (300) of FIG. 1 in astationary position. As shown, the power plant has a central verticalmember (302) that houses equipment to operate the power plant. Theequipment shown herein includes a pump (304), a motor (306), and anelectrical energy storage device (308). However, the equipment may bemodified depending upon the requirements for the specific power plantand its associated elements. In one embodiment, a gear box may besubstituted in place of the pump. Similarly, in one embodiment, acovering (not shown) may be employed to enclose the motor and gear boxcombination, or the motor and pump combination. The covering facilitatesprotecting the items stored therein to external debris. In addition, oneor more sensors may be employed with the covering to detect intrusiontherein. Accordingly, the combination of the pump (304) and motor (306),or the gear box and motor (306) are employed to operate the power plant(300).

The central vertical member (302) is shown as a single element. In oneembodiment, the central vertical member (302) may include severalvertical structures that comprise a vertical support to the power plantunit (300). A proximal end (312) of the vertical member (302) isstationary and adjacent to a planar platform (316). In one embodiment,the proximal end (312) of the vertical member (302) is in communicationwith one or more wheels (318), and one or more anchor elements (320).The anchor elements (320) are in communication with the proximal end(312) of the vertical member (302) and are configured to be placedvertically. As shown in FIG. 3, the anchor elements (320) are stationaryand in communication with the horizontal platform (316). Extension ofthe anchor elements (320) enables the structure of the power plant (300)to be raised or lowered with respect to the stationary platform (316).Although only two anchor elements (320) are shown herein, in oneembodiment, the power plant unit (300) may include more anchor elements(320) to secure the power plant unit (300) in a stationary position.Similarly, in one embodiment, the power plant unit (300) may onlyrequire a single anchor element (320) to prevent the wheels (318) fromrotating and enabling the power plant (300) to be displaced.Furthermore, as shown herein, there are two wheels (318), one adjacentto each of the anchor elements. In one embodiment, the power plant unit(300) may include additional wheels (318) to assist with movement of thepower plant unit (300) from a stationary position. Similarly, in oneembodiment, the power plant unit (300) may only require a single wheel(318) to support movement of the power plant unit (300) from astationary position.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, each of the anchor elements (320) ismounted telescopically in the central vertical member (302). In oneembodiment, the central vertical element may include a locking mechanism(not shown) to secure the anchor element (320) to a set position withrespect to the central vertical member (302). Such a position mayinclude a raised position, a lowered position, or any position inbetween. The locking mechanism (not shown) enables the height of thepower plant unit (300) to be adjusted. In one embodiment, the powerplant unit (300) may require a height adjustment for various reasons,including physical height restrictions associated with placement of thepower plant unit (300) for operation. Accordingly, the verticalextension and height of the power plant unit (300) may be modified basedupon the length of the anchor elements (320) and an associated lockingmechanism (not shown).

As noted above, the power plant unit (300) in one embodiment iscomprised of a first pump (304 a), a motor (306), an electrical energystorage device (308), a second pump (304 b), a motion transfer element(340), and one or more generator units (380) to generate electricalenergy. As shown, the central vertical member (302) is in communicationwith a rotating arm (350). A mechanism (340) is provided to transmitenergy to facilitate movement of the rotating arm (350) about the axisof the central vertical member (302). In one embodiment and as shown inFIG. 3, the mechanism (340) is in the form of a gear mounted adjacent toa distal end (310) of the central vertical member (302). Similarly, inone embodiment, the pumps (304 a) and (304 b) are hydraulic pumps andassist the gear (340) with rotation by providing the gear (340) withhydraulic fluid through a hose (338) from the first pump (304 a) to thesecond pump (304 b). The second pump is in communication with themechanism (340) via a shaft (348) to provide rotational motion to themechanism (340). However, the invention should not be limited to ahydraulic pump for communication of a rotational force to the rotatingarm (350) via the gear (340). In one embodiment, any mechanical orelectrical device that can cause movement of the rotational arm(s) maybe employed. For example, a belt system or a direct drive system may beemployed. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limitedto a hydraulic pump and motor in communication with the rotating arm(350).

The gear (340) has a posterior side (344 a) and an anterior side (344b). The posterior side (344 a) is mounted adjacent to a distal end (310)of the vertical member (302), and the anterior side (344 b) is mountedadjacent to the rotating arm (350). Similarly, a posterior side (352) ofthe rotating arm (350) is mounted adjacent to the anterior side (344 b)of the gear (340), and an anterior side (354) of the rotating arm (350)is in communication with a secondary vertical member (360) and one ormore support members (362). The rotating arm (350) has a first end (356)and a second end (358). The first end (356) and the second end (358) ofthe rotating arm (350) is in communication with a connection element(370) that extends to a generator unit (380). Each generator unit (380)has an electrical wire (382) to transfer electrical energy to anelectrical storage device (308) or an electric power grid (not shown).As shown the electrical wire (382) has a distal end (384) incommunication with the generator unit (380) and a proximal end (386) incommunication with the electrical storage device (308). The electricalwire (382) is shown herein to extend from the storage device (308),through the central vertical member (302) to the secondary verticalmember (360) and through the support member (362) in communication withthe first end (356) of the rotating arm (350). Similarly, the electricalwire (382) may extend from the storage device (308), through the centralvertical member (302) to the secondary vertical member (360), andthrough the support member (362) in communication with the second end(358) of the rotating arm (350). The wire (382) connects the generatorunit (380) to the electrical storage device (308).

In one embodiment, the wire (382) may follow an alternate path from thegenerator unit (380) to the storage device (308). As shown, a slip ring(342) is employed as an electrical interface between the generator unit(380) and the storage device (308). An electrical connection is providedfrom the rotating generator unit (380) to the slip ring (342). One ormore fixed contacts (342 a) are provided and in contact with the slipring and serve as an electrical transfer mechanism between the rotatinggenerator unit (380) and the static part of the system (308). A wire isshown in here to communicate electrical energy between the generatorunit (380) and the storage device (308) via the slip ring (342). In oneembodiment, an alternate connection may be implemented between thegenerator unit (380) and the storage device (308) via the slip ring(342) that facilitates communication and transmission of electricalenergy between the rotating generator unit (380) and the staticelectrical storage device (308). Accordingly, slip ring (342) and fixedcontact (342 a) are employed to facilitate an electrical connectionbetween the electrical storage device (308) and each generator unit(380).

A connection element (388) is provided to secure each generator unit(380) to the rotating arm (350). The connection element (388) providesvertical lift and support to the generator unit (380). The connectionelement (388) has a first end (392) in communication with the generatorunit (380) and a second end (394) in communication with the secondaryvertical member (360). In one embodiment, the generator unit may requiretwo or more connection elements (388) connected to different parts ofthe generator unit (380) to provide proper lift and support of thegenerator unit (380). The quantity of connection elements required toprovide lift and support of the generator unit may depend upon the sizeand weight of the generator unit (380), the size and length of theconnection element (388), and the configuration of the rotating arm(350), support arm(s) (362) and vertical members (302) and (362).Similarly, in one embodiment, the support arm(s) (362) has an interiorportion (364) that functions as a conduit from the second verticalmember (360) to the first and second ends (356), (358), respectively, ofthe rotating arm (350) for communication of the electrical wire (382)between generator unit(s) (380), electrical storage (308), and/orconnection element(s) (388). This mitigates exposure of the connectionelement(s) (388) and/or wire (382) from exposure to external elements.In addition, the internal housing of the support arm(s) (362) preventsthe connection element (388) and wire (382) from developing a kink oranother encumbrance that may affect the integrity and performance of thegenerator unit (380).

Connection element (388) and the electrical wire (382) are incommunication with both the generator unit (380) and one or both of thevertical members (302) and (360). In one embodiment, a rotating wiretransfer system (394) is provided at the interface of the secondaryvertical member (360) with the central vertical member (302). The wiretransfer system (394) functions as a mechanism to adjust the length ofthe connection element (388) and the length of the electrical wire(382). In one embodiment, a control system (not shown) communicates withthe wire transfer system (394) to dynamically adjust the position and/orlength of the wire (382) and/or connection element (388) with respect tothe rotational speed of the rotating arm(s) (350). By increasing thelength of the wire (382) and/or connection element (388), i.e. addingdistance between the rotating arm of the generator unit(s), the fluidflow is increased. An increase in fluid flow may lend to an increase inenergy generated by the generator(s) in the path of the fluid flow.Details of a control system associated with the adjustment of theconnection element (388) and the wire (382) are shown in detail in FIG.8.

As shown above in FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment, the motor (306) and thepump (304) that operate the power plant unit (300) are located planarwith one or more anchor elements (320). However, the configuration ofthe power plant unit (300) should not be limited to that illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative layout andplacement of a power plant unit (400) that share some of the elementsand structure of the power plant unit (300) shown in FIG. 3. As shown,the power plant unit (400) has a first pump (404 a) in communicationwith a motor (406) that are secured to a primary planar surface (410).The first pump (404 a) is also in communication with a second pump (404b). In one embodiment, the pumps (404 a) and (404 b) and motor (406) maybe configured so that they are jointly secured to the primary planarsurface (410). One or more securing elements (408) are used to securethe pumps (404 a) and (404 b) and motor (406) to the primary planarsurface (410). In one embodiment, the securing element may be in theform of a hook, an anchor, or an alternative mechanical attachmentelement. The structure of the power plant unit (400) is similar to thatshown in FIG. 3. However, the elements of the power plant are invertedin that the elements illustrated herein descend from the primary planarsurface (410) as opposed to ascending from the planar surface as shownin FIG. 3.

The elements of the power plant unit (400) will now be discussed indetail. An aperture (414) is provided in the primary planar surface(410) to receive the electrical wire (490) from the generator unit(s)(480). A secondary planar surface (412) with an aperture (416) issecured to the primary planar surface (410). The aperture (414) of thesecondary planar surface (412) is set to align with the aperture (414)of the primary planar surface (410) to accommodate receipt of one orelectrical wires between the generator unit(s) (480) and an electricalstorage device (not shown). A second vertical extension (420) is securedto the secondary planar surface (410) perpendicular or nearperpendicular to the secondary planar surface (410). The second verticalextension (420) has a conduit (426) that extends the length of theextension (420). The conduit (426) is position to align with apertures(404) and (414) of the respective planar surfaces. At such time as thesecond vertical extension (420) is positioned with the secondary planarsurface (412), the proximal end (422) is adjacent to the secondaryplanar surface (412) and the distal end is adjacent to an anterior side(432) of a gear (430). A posterior side (434) of the gear (430) isadjacent to a proximal end (442) of a first vertical extension (440).The first vertical extension (440) is in communication with one or moresupport arms (460) and one or more rotating arms (470). Each support arm(460) has a proximal end (462) and a distal end (464). The proximal end(462) is mounted adjacent to the proximal end (442) of the firstvertical extension (440). In one embodiment, one or more of the supportarms (460) has a conduit (466) that extends through a central portionthereof and it receives one or more electrical wires that are incommunication with one or more generator unit(s) (480), and one or moreconnecting elements (488) to support the generator unit(s) (480) withrespect to the rotating arm (470). The distal end (464) of the supportarm(s) (460) is adjacent to the rotating arm(s) (470). Each rotating arm(470) has a first end (472) and a second end (474). The distal end (464)of one support arm (460) is adjacent to the first end (472) of therotating arm (470), and the distal end (464) of a second support arm(460) is adjacent to the second end (474) of the rotating arm (470).

One or more connection elements (488) extend through the support arms(460) to the respective end of the rotating arm (470). An aperture (476)is provided at the end of rotating arm at the point where the supportarm (460) is adjacent to the end of the rotating arm. The aperture (476)of the rotating arm aligns with an aperture (468) at a distal end (464)of the support arm (460), and is sized to accommodate passage of one ormore connection elements (488) and one or more electrical wires (490).As shown in FIG. 4, a distal end (482) of the connection elementssupports the generator unit(s) (480), and a distal end (492) of the wire(490) is in communication with the generator unit(s) (480). A proximalend (496) of the wire (490) is in communication with an electricalstorage device (not shown). Accordingly, as the generator unit(s) (480)generates electrical energy, the wire (490) transmits the energy to theelectrical storage device.

As in the structure of the power plant (300), the modified power plant(400) includes a first pump (404 a) in communication with a second pump(404 b) through one or more hoses (436). The second pump (404 b) is incommunication with the rotation mechanism (430) via a shaft (438) toprovide rotational motion to the rotation mechanism (430).

The power plant unit (400) of FIG. 4 includes a wire transfer system(428) at the interface of the second vertical extension (420) with theanterior side (432) of the gear (430). The wire transfer system (428) isa mechanism to adjust the position of the connection element(s) (488)and the electrical wire (490). Accordingly, both the electrical wire(490) and the connection element(s) (488) are in communication with thewire transfer system (428).

On of the primary differences of the power plants units (300) and (400)of FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively, is the inverse layout. With respect toeither structure, the power plants may be arranged in a stackedenvironment. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the primary planarsurface (410) has an anterior surface (476) and a posterior surface(478). As shown herein, the anterior surface (476) is in communicationwith the secondary planar surface (412). In one embodiment, a secondprimary surface (not shown) may be spaced apart from the posteriorsurface (478) of the primary planar surface (410) to accommodate asecond power plant. Similarly, the power plant (300) of FIG. 3 mayinclude an arrangement of stacked power plants in a vertical mannerwherein they are spaced apart by a sufficient quantity of vertical spacerequired to operate the power plant.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the power plant unit (500) of FIG. 3. As shown,there is a central vertical extension (410) that is in communicationwith one or more support arms (not shown) and one or more rotating arms(520). Each rotating arm (520) has a first end (522) and a second end(524). An electrical wire (540) and a connection element (542) extendfrom the rotating arm (520) to a respective generator unit (560). In oneembodiment, two separate electrical wires (540) and/or connectionelements (542) may extend from each end of each rotating arm (520) totwo adjacent but separate generator units (560). This embodimentprovides extra vertical support and life to each generator unit (560) aswell as separation between adjacent generator units (560).

FIG. 6 is a top view of a power plant unit (600) that is an enlargedpower plant in comparison to power plant unit (500) of FIG. 5. As shown,there is a central vertical extension (610) that is in communicationwith a plurality of rotating arms and supports arms (not shown). Thereare two categories of rotating arms. The first category of rotating arms(620) is in communication with a central vertical member (610) and has ashort length. Each rotating arm (620) has a first end (622) and a secondend (624). A wire (640) and a connection element (642) extend from therotating arm (620) to a respective generator unit (660). In oneembodiment, a plurality of wires (640) and connecting elements (642) mayextend from each end (622), (624) of each rotating arm (620) to one ormore generator units (660). This provides extra vertical support to eachgenerator unit (660) as well as separation between adjacent generatorunits (660). The second category of rotating arms (670) is incommunication with the central vertical member (610) and has a lengthgreater than the rotating arm (620) in the first category. Each rotatingarm (670) has a first end (672) and a second end (674). A wire (640) anda connection element (642) extend from the rotating arm (670) to arespective generator unit (660). In one embodiment, a plurality of wires(640) and connecting elements (642) may extend from each end of eachrotating arm (670) to one or more generator units (660). This providesextra vertical support to each generator unit (660) as well asseparation between adjacent generator units (660). In addition, sincethe length of the second category of rotating arm(s) (670) is differentfrom the length of the first category of rotating arms (620), thegenerator unit(s) (660) in communication with the first category ofrotating arms (620) are in a different wind zone than the generatorunit(s) (660) in communication with the second category of rotating arms(670). Accordingly, by placing generator units in different wind zones agreater amount of fluid flow is received by each generator unit.

The above described embodiments are power plant units that utilize oneor more connection elements to attach a generator unit to a rotatingarm. FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a power plant unit (700) thatmitigates or eliminates the length of the connection element extendingfrom a rotating arm. In a similar manner to the above-described powerplants, a primary vertical extension member (702) is provided with aproximal end (704) and a distal end (706) and a secondary verticalextension member (710) is provided with a proximal end (712) and adistal end (714). The proximal end (704) of the primary verticalextension member (702) rests on a primary planar surface (708). Thedistal end (706) of the primary vertical extension member (702) is incommunication with the proximal end (712) of the secondary verticalextension member (710). The primary vertical extension member (702) isstationary, while the secondary vertical extension member (710) isconfigured to rotate about the axis of the primary vertical extensionmember (702). In one embodiment, the secondary vertical extension member(710) has a greater circumference than that of the primary verticalextension member (702).

As shown, one or more rotatable arms (720) are connected to thesecondary vertical extension member (710). Each rotatable arm (720) hasa first end (722) and a second end (not shown). The first end (722) isconnected to and in communication with the secondary vertical extensionmember (710) adjacent to the proximal end (712). The second end (notshown) is remote from the first end (722). A plurality of fluid operatedgenerator units (730), (740), (750), (760), and (770) are connected toand/or in communication with the first end (722) of the rotatable arm(720). In one embodiment, generator units (730), (740), and (760) areconnected directly to the rotatable arm (720) and generator units (750)and (770) are indirectly connected to the rotatable arm (720). Forexample, generator unit (750) is shown connected to generator unit (740)and/or (760) and generator unit (770) is shown connected to generatorunit (760) and/or (730).

As shown, one or more pumps (714) and one or more motors (716) areprovided to operate the power plant (700) and are placed on the primaryplanar surface (708). Similarly, another pump (816) is provided adjacentto primary vertical extension member (702). One or more wires and hoses(718) extend from the motor(s) (716) and pumps (714). In one embodiment,a plurality of pumps and motors may be provided to the power plant unit(700) depending on the size of the unit and power requirements. Thewires and hoses (718) extend into the primary vertical extension member(702), adjacent to the proximal end (704), toward the distal end (706)of the primary vertical extension member (702) and to a secondary pump(724) located adjacent to the distal end (706) of the primary verticalextension member (702). A mechanism (780) is provided to transmit energyto facilitate movement of the rotating arm (720) about the axis of theprimary vertical extension member (702). The pump (724) receives fluidfrom the pump and motor (714) and (716), respectively, and communicatesmotion to a mechanism (780) through a shaft (816). In one embodiment andas shown in FIG. 7, the mechanism (780) is in the form of a gear mountedadjacent to a distal end (706) of the primary vertical member (702). Inone embodiment, the pump(s) (714) is a hydraulic pump and it assists thegear (780) with rotation by providing the gear (780) with hydraulicfluid. However, the invention should not be limited to a hydraulic fluidfor communication of a rotational force to the gear (780).

The gear (780) has a posterior side (782) and an anterior side (784).The posterior side (782) is mounted adjacent to a distal end (706) ofthe primary vertical member (702), and the anterior side (784) ismounted adjacent a proximal end (712) of secondary vertical extensionmember (710). Similarly, a posterior side (724) of the rotating arm(720) is mounted adjacent to the anterior side (784) of the gear (780),and an anterior side (726) of the rotating arm (720) is in communicationwith a secondary vertical member (710) and one or more support members(762). Each support member (762) has a proximal end (764) incommunication with a distal end (714) of the secondary verticalextension member (710) and a distal end (766) in communication with thefirst end (722) of the rotating arm (720). The distal end (714) of thesecondary vertical extension member (710) is adjacent to a rotating wiretransfer system (790). Each generator unit (730), (740), (750), (760),and (770) has an electrical wire (792) to transfer electrical energygenerated by the generator unit(s) to an electrical storage device (notshown) or a power grid. As shown the electrical wire (792) is in fact aplurality of wires, with each wire having a distal end (794) incommunication with an assigned generator unit and a proximal end (notshown) in communication with the electrical storage device (not shown)or a power grid. The electrical wire (792) extends from the storagedevice (not shown), through the central vertical member (702) to thesecondary vertical member (710) and through the support member (762) incommunication with the first end (722) of the rotating arm (720). Thewire (792) electrically connects the generator unit(s) (730)-(770) tothe electrical storage device (not shown). In one embodiment, the wire(792) may follow an alternate path from the generator unit to thestorage device (not shown). Similarly, although a wire is shown in hereto communicate electrical energy between the generator unit and thestorage device, in one embodiment, an alternate connection may beimplemented between the generator unit and the storage device thatfacilitates communication and transmission of electrical energy.Accordingly, an electrical connection is provided between the electricalstorage device and each generator unit (730), (740), (750), (760), and(770).

As shown in FIG. 7, a second power plant (800) may be in verticalcommunication with the power plant (700). More specifically, a verticalmember (802) is provided with a proximal end (804) and a distal end(806). The proximal end (804) is adjacent to and in communication with adistal end (728) of the secondary vertical extension member (710) andthe rotating wire transfer system (790). Wires and hoses (718) extendthrough the vertical members (702), (710) and (802) to a pump (824). Thepump (824) receives fluid from the pump and motor (714) and (716),respectively, and communicates motion to a mechanism (880) through ashaft (826). The mechanism (880) transmits energy to facilitate movementof a rotating arm (820) about the axis of a vertical extension member(810) adjacent to and in communication with vertical member (802).Similarly, a second vertical member (810) is provided in communicationwith vertical member (802) to provide structural support for therotating arm (820) and one or more support arms (862). One end of therotating arm (820) has one or more generator units (830), (840), (850),(860), and (870) adjacently mounted thereto. Each of the generator unitsincludes an electrical wire (892) to communicate electrical energy fromthe respective generator unit(s). In one embodiment, the generator unitsare in direct communication with the rotating arm (820), or they may bearranged in a manner similar to the units (730), (740), (750), (760),and (770). The electrical wires (892) are in communication with anelectrical energy storage device (not shown). In one embodiment, thegenerator units in communication with rotating arm (820) may be incommunication with the same storage unit or a different storage unitthan the generator units in communication with rotating arm (720).Similarly, in one embodiment, additional sets of vertical members may beprovided in communication with vertical members (802) and (810) tocontinue the vertical extension of the power plant (700).

As noted above, the power plant includes one or more fluid responsivegenerators to create electrical energy from exposure of the generator toa fluid flow. FIG. 8 is a block diagram (900) of a control system usedin association with the generator units to monitor and manage electricaloutput. Each generator unit has a monitor to track the electrical energygenerated by the unit and stored in a battery in communication with theunit and/or communicated to an electrical grid. The example shown hereinis for a power plant with four generator units (902), (904), (906), and(908) in communication with a rotating arm. Each unit has an energymonitor to track the electrical energy generated by the unit. Morespecifically, unit (902) has energy monitor (912), unit (904) has energymonitor (914), unit (906) has energy monitor (916), and unit (908) hasenergy monitor (918). Each of the energy monitors is connected to acontrol system (920) that manages the operation of the associatedgenerator units. More specifically, the control system tracks andmonitors the aggregate electrical output for all of the units, as wellas the individual electrical output per unit. In one embodiment, anenclosure may be provided to house a plurality of generators and one ormore monitors may be provided to track the electrical output of theindividual generators in the enclosure, and/or track the cumulativeelectrical output of the enclosure units. If any one of the units isdetermined to be generating less than an optimal amount of electricalenergy, i.e. not meeting a threshold for electrical energy output, thisinformation is conveyed by the control system to a third party or thirdparty device (not shown). In one embodiment, the control system is incommunication with an output device. When it is determined that one ormore units is not attaining a threshold level of electrical output, theoutput device provides a visual, auditory, or tactile signal. Forexample, in one embodiment, a visual output (932), (934), (936), and(938) may be associated with each unit (902), (904), (906), and (908),respectively. In one embodiment, the visual output is an LED that iseither directly attached to the unit, or is located at a remote locationto identify a specific unit. When one of the units does not reach athreshold level of output, the control system may illuminate theappropriate LED to convey a problem with the unit. Similarly, in oneembodiment, each unit may have more than one LED associated therewith,with each LED having different illuminating colors, or each having thesame color. A different color LED may be illuminated to convey differentcontrol data, or a pattern of LEDs may be illuminated or non-illuminatedto convey different control data. Accordingly, the control systemmonitors operation of the associated units and conveys operational dataof the unit(s).

The control system described above in FIG. 8 may be extrapolated toinclude monitors to tracks and manage the length of the wire(s) and/orconnection element(s) between the rotating arm and the generatorunit(s). More specifically, the distance between the generator unit andthe rotating arm affects the electrical energy output of the generatorunit. By adding length to the tether (wire and/or connection element),the fluid flow to the unit may be increased. A tether monitor may beprovided in communication with each alternator unit. More specifically,unit (902) has tether monitor (942), unit (904) has tether monitor(944), unit (906) has tether monitor (946), and unit (908) has tethermonitor (948). Each of the tether monitors is connected to a controlsystem (920) that manages the operation of the associated generatorunits, and/or the associated visual display. More specifically, thecontrol system tracks and monitors the aggregate electrical output forall of the units, as well as the individual electrical output per unit,in conjunction with the length of the tether extending from the rotatingarm to the respective unit. Accordingly, the control system may beemployed to modify the operational settings of the power plant to adjustthe electrical energy output of the generator units.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit may be employed to monitor theelectrical output of each unit in communication with the power plantand/or to modify initial settings of the power plant to adjustelectrical output. Furthermore, as described above, the power plantemploys a motor to provide power to the rotating arm. In one embodiment,the control system may employ one or more monitor to manage the speed ofthe rotating arm. Similarly, in one embodiment, the control system mayemploy one or more monitors to manage the speed of the motor.Accordingly, the control system may be employed to monitor and managevarious modifiable aspects of the power plant.

Each of the power plant embodiments shown herein requires an initialquantity of energy to initiate movement of the rotating arm(s) and theassociated generator units in communication with the rotating arms(s).The initial quantity of energy may be in the form of mechanical,electrical, bio-diesel energy, or any energy to which the motor isconfigured to accept as an energy source. In a similar manner, the motordescribed above may be configured to receive energy in the form ofelectrical, mechanical, bio-diesel, or any other appropriate energysource. The motor is designed to receive energy input in a continuousflow so that it may provide continuous movement of the rotating arm(s)of the power plant. In one embodiment, the initial energy input may bein a bio-diesel form and subsequent energy input may be in analternative form.

The power plants are not wind zone dependent. More specifically, in theabsence of a natural wind zone, the power plant creates it own wind zoneand thereby creates an environment for producing energy by converting acreated mechanical fluid flow into electrical energy. Accordingly, thepower plant is versatile in that it can be placed in any local

It will be understood that each of the elements above, may also beuseful in alternative applications or constructions differing from thetype described above and without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. In particular, in one embodiment, the generator unitgenerates direct current electricity. However, the generator unit shouldnot be limited to direct current. In one embodiment, the generator unitmay be in the form of an alternator that generates alternating currentelectricity. The term “generator” described herein is interchangeablewith a direct current or alternating current unit. Similarly, in oneembodiment, a single material may be employed to serve the functionalityof both the connection element and the wire. This simplifies thestructure of the power plant by eliminating an extraneous filamentbetween the generator unit and the wire transfer system. The generatedelectrical energy may be stored in the associated battery or any otherelectrical storage device, including but not limited to a capacitor orany other device with the ability to store or communicate electricalenergy to a secondary device, or it may be used to recharge a battery incommunication with the integrated unit or to provide electrical energyto a remote location.

Similarly, the power plants shown herein are illustrated with one ormore generator units in communication with a rotor arm. In oneembodiment, the individual generator units may be substituted with anenclosure that houses one or more fluid flow responsive generator unitstherein. Each of the generator units in the enclosure may be a modulargenerator component with rotational elements, magnets, and electricallyconductive material. Rotation of the enclosure, caused by movement ofthe rotor arm, exposes the rotational elements of the generator units toa fluid flow, which generates fluid flow. In an embodiment with multiplegenerator units in a single enclosure, rotational elements of adjacentlymounted units rotate in opposite direction to increase the fluid flow inthe enclosure.

With respect to the magnets and electrically conductive material, one ormore magnets rotate in conjunction with the rotational elements of thegenerator and in close proximity to the electrically conductivematerial, thereby generating electrical energy. In one embodiment, analternative material may be substituted for the magnets, wherein thealternative material produces electrical energy when placed in proximityto electrically conductive material.

The power plants illustrated herein may be employed in variousenvironments where they may create their own fluid flow. For example,the power plant may be house in an enclosure such as a building orgarage, or any locale that is sized to accommodate the power plant. Theelements described above may be useful for any application wherein afluid force exerted on a fluid responsive generator unit can be utilizedto rotate the rotational element. Fluid flow may come in the form of airflow, water flow, or an alternative fluid source that supports rotationof the rotational elements. In one embodiment, the power generated bythe generator units is stored in a battery or a bank of batteries andused to power a local or remote motor in communication with the battery.Similarly, in one embodiment, the generated electrical energy may becommunicated directly from the generator unit to an external motor ordevice requiring energy an input power source, or to a power gridproviding energy to external energy consumers or consuming equipment. Inaddition, the vertical members and horizontal arms of the power plantshould not be restricted to the angles disclosed herein. Rather, theymay be at any angle that would enable rotation of the generator units tocreate a fluid flow and to convert the fluid flow to electrical energy.Accordingly, the scope of protection of this invention is limited onlyby the claims and their equivalents.

1. An apparatus comprising: a vertical support member having a proximalend and a distal end, said proximal end secured to a planar platform; arotating element having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximalend of said rotating element attached to said distal end of saidvertical support member, and said rotating element adapted to rotateabout an axis of said vertical support member; a connection elementhaving a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end incommunication with said rotating element, and said distal end incommunication with a fluid responsive generator unit configured togenerate electrical energy from exposure to fluid flow; external energyapplied to said generator unit and in communication with a motor toinitiate and maintain rotational movement of said rotating element;fluid flow created by said initial rotational movement; and saidgenerator unit to generate electrical energy by exposure of saidgenerator unit to said created fluid flow.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said generated electrical energy is communicated to anelectrical energy storage apparatus through said connection element. 3.(canceled)
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a member tohold at least one generator units, wherein said member is in mechanicaland electrical communication with said connection element and each ofsaid generator unit.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising anadjustment mechanism to control a length of said connection element. 6.(canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled) 11.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said connection element is anelectrical transfer mechanism.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a firstvertical support member having a proximal end and a distal end, saidproximal end secured to a horizontal platform; said first verticalsupport member to remain stationary; a second vertical support memberhaving a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end incommunication with said distal end of said first vertical supportmember; a rotating element having a proximal end and a distal end, saidproximal end of said rotating element attached to said second verticalsupport member, and said rotating element adapted to rotate about anaxis of said second vertical support member; said second verticalsupport member to rotate about its vertical axis in conjunction withrotation of said rotating element; a first member to hold a fluidresponsive generator unit, said member attached to a distal end of saidrotating element; responsive to exposure of the fluid responsivegenerator to a fluid flow, said generator to convert said fluid flow toenergy.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising said energy tobe transmitted to a secondary location, wherein said secondary locationis an electrical storage unit, a power grid, or an electrical energyconsuming entity.
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 12, further comprising an aperture in an interior section of saidrotating element to extend from said distal end of said rotating elementto said proximal end of said rotating element, wherein said interiorsection receives said electrical connection element to communicatetransmission of electrical energy in relation to said generator unit.17. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a secondary supportwith a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said proximal end of saidsecondary support is connected to said distal end of said secondvertical support member and said distal end of said secondary support isconnected to said distal end of said rotating element.
 18. The apparatusof claim 17, further comprising an aperture in an interior section ofsaid secondary support that extends from said proximal end to saiddistal end, wherein said aperture is adapted to receive said electricalconnection element to transmit electrical energy between said firstenclosure holding member and an electrical storage member. 19.(canceled)
 20. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising saidgenerator unit mounted adjacent to a second generator unit, saidgenerator unit having a rotational element to rotate in a firstrotational direction and said second generator unit having a secondrotational element to rotate in a second rotational direction. 21.(canceled)
 22. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a thirdvertical support member having a proximal end and a distal end, saidproximal end in communication with said distal end of said secondvertical support member, said distal end in communication with aproximal end of a fourth vertical support member, a second rotatingelement having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end ofsaid rotating element attached to said fourth vertical support member,said second rotating element adapted to rotate about an axis of saidfourth vertical support member, and a secondary member to hold a thirdgenerator unit, and electrical energy generated by exposure of saidthird generator unit to said fluid flow.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22,further comprising a second electrical transfer mechanism locatedbetween said fourth vertical support member and said third verticalsupport member to transfer power from rotation of said fourth verticalsupport member to said third vertical support member and a firstelectrical transfer mechanism located between said first and secondvertical support members to transfer power from said rotation of saidsecond vertical support member to said first vertical support member.24. (canceled)
 25. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprisingexternal energy in communication with a motor to provide rotationalmovement of said rotating element and to create additional fluid flowfor said fluid responsive generator unit.